Interactive mobile device

ABSTRACT

A device is disclosed that provides a portable, programmable, interactive apparatus that instructs, monitors, tracks, and provides feedback and motivational information to an individual in regards to managing their personal physical fitness information. One embodiment of the device comprises a housing configured to be carried by the user, a display for displaying information to the user, a memory for storing data relating to programs, workouts, exercises and user inputted data. The device further contains an interface operable by the user to select and input data, and a processor in communication with the display, the interface, and the memory operable to control the display and to control the storage and retrieval of data from the memory. The device enables a user to program and view their personalized programs, workout routines, video instructions, or nutrition plans, while at remote locations. The device may also be connected to external computers and connected to the Internet for downloading information such as personalized fitness and nutrition programs and for uploading and storing personal information such as user inputted data to an external computer or the Internet.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a portable programmable interactivedevice used to instruct, monitor and track user activities, particularlyin the fields of physical fitness and recreation.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The past decade has involved a dramatic increase in consumer spending inthe field of health and fitness products and sporting equipment. In theUnited States alone, an estimated 50 million people work out at least 3times a week, over 27 million people play golf, and approximately 1million people receive some kind of physical therapy every day. This hasresulted in a strong demand for devices and methods that assistindividuals in setting and reaching fitness goals. The currentlyavailable devices and methods however, fail to meet the needs of averageconsumers in many ways. This is especially true in the field of portabledevices that may accompany an individual during their workout.

For example, prior art devices capable of being carried with a user ontheir physical fitness workout are severely limited in their functions.Many of these devices are intended to be incorporated into a wristwatchand are only capable of calculating a runners' speed, time and distance.Other functions may include a heart rate monitor that connects to thewristwatch device. There is little or no feedback from these currentdevices and methods. See U.S. Pat. No. 6,002,982 that describes a deviceused to aid a user in their fitness workout.

More sophisticated prior art devices that do allow for operatorinteractions are not portable and are usually mounted to the exerciseequipment. For example, see U.S. Pat. No. 6,066,075 to Poulton.Poulton's patent details a computer apparatus that provides feedback toan individual while the individual is on a treadmill. The structures andsensors necessary in this type of device are not intended to beportable.

In addition to the failures of the above devices, up to this point therehas been no device created to replace a personal trainer. In order toreceive proper instructions to perform an exercise, currently a personaltrainer must be present during the workout.

In conclusion, the prior art methods and devices fail to provide acomprehensive and portable solution that may provide instruction,feedback, and track and monitor the physical fitness activities of anindividual.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention improves on the prior art methods and devices byproviding a portable, programmable, interactive device that instructs,monitors, tracks, and provides feedback and motivational information tothe user. One embodiment of the device comprises a housing configured tobe carried by the user, a display for displaying information to theuser, a memory for storing data relating to programs, workouts,exercises and user inputted data, an interface operable by the user toselect and input data, and a processor in communication with thedisplay, the interface, and the memory operable to control the displayand to control the storage and retrieval of data from the memory.

The device according to the present invention would provide a method ofcontrolling a portable interactive device for providing instructions forpersonal physical fitness training, comprising the acts of allowing theuser to select from a plurality of workouts, allowing the user to selectfrom a plurality of exercises within each workout, and providing to theuser a set of instructions based on the user selections, wherein each ofthe sets of the instructions comprises audio and visual data.

In addition to providing instructional material, the device furtherallows the user to program, store, and display personalized workouts. Anindividual may also enter and store personal statistics and download andstore music to be played while exercising. The device also gives theuser the ability to monitor and display the heart rate of an individualwhen a heart rate monitor is connected to the device. Feedback andmotivational information are also displayed to the user in response tothe personal statistics.

In another embodiment of the invention, the device allows the user toconnect and access web based tools and the Internet. One type ofconnection provides a docking station that allows the portable device toconnect to external computers and access the Internet. Information maythen be downloaded and stored into the devices' memory for use at remotelocations. Information may also be uploaded from the device to theexternal computer for storage and analysis.

The present invention therefore provides a portable device thatovercomes the deficiencies of prior art devices and is capable ofmeeting all the needs of the active individual.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 shows a first embodiment of the present invention held by a user.

FIG. 3 shows a first embodiment of the present invention in a dockingstation.

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of the device according to the presentinvention.

FIG. 5 shows the device displaying the main menu function.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing one method enacted by the main menufunction of the present invention.

FIG. 7 shows the device displaying the personal profile function.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing one method enacted by the personal profilefunction of the present invention.

FIG. 9 shows the device displaying the reference library function.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing one method enacted by the referencelibrary function of the present invention.

FIG. 11 shows the device displaying the workout library function.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing one method enacted by the workout libraryfunction of the present invention.

FIG. 13 shows the device displaying the programs exercise executionfunction.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing one method enacted by the programslibrary function of the present invention.

FIG. 15 shows the device displaying the music library function.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing one method enacted by the music libraryfunction of the present invention.

FIG. 17 is a view of a web page used in the present invention.

FIG. 18 is another embodiment of the invention relating to the controlfeatures.

FIG. 19 is another embodiment of the invention relating to the clipfeature.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

FIG. 1 illustrates one embodiment of the portable programmableinteractive device 10 according to the present invention. The device 10includes a case or housing 12 that contains and houses the necessaryelectrical components for operation of the device. A clip 14 is attachedto the back of the device 10 that allows the portable device to beeasily grasped for carrying. A display 16 is arranged on the front ofthe case 12 so that the user can view the numerous types of information.

With further reference to FIG. 1, control buttons 18, 20 and 22 areprovided for controlling the functions of the device 10. The device 10is designed to be worn or carried by the user during their physicalfitness workouts or other daily activities. The portability and ease ofuse make the device 10 equally well suited for situations where the useris at some remote or outdoor location. Some examples include a golfcourse, on a bicycle ride, grocery store (shopping for food articlespursuant to a nutrition database), at the beach, etc.

FIG. 2 illustrates the compact size and portability of the device 10. Auser's hand 25 easily grasps the device 10 with the aid of the clip 14as shown in FIG. 1. The clip 14 may also be used as a stand in which theuser may place the device 10 on a table and view the screen 16. Forfurther details regarding the adjustable clip, see copending patentapplication Ser. No. ______ filed Nov. 15, 2003, entitled “clip”,attorney docket number 41963-8003, by inventor.

As shown in FIG. 3, the device 10 may be plugged into an externalcomputer docking station 26. When in the docking station 26, the device10 may communicate with an external computer (not shown) byinterconnecting a wire 28 between the external computer and the device10. Other embodiments of the present invention include communicationswith local and remote computers using any of a variety of wired andwireless approaches such as Bluetooth and USB connections. While indocking station 26, the device 10 is capable of both sending andreceiving data to an external computer and charging a battery.

One advantage of the present invention is that the docking station 26allows the user access to a host of tools and information made availableon the Internet. Both instructional and motivational information may bedownloaded while the device 10 is in the docking station. Once thenecessary information is stored locally on the device 10, the device maybe unplugged from the station 26 and again used as a portable device.

For purposes of this disclosure, the external computer described aboveis simply any suitable computing device, whether portable or stationary(could include also a wireless device with a connection to theInternet). This definition includes, but is not limited to, electronicbooks, laptop and handheld computers, and desktop computers. Usingwireless types of communications for example, the monitoring device 10may communicate with a web page running on a remote server via theInternet.

The device 10 may include cellular or other wireless or wiredcommunication capability so as to interconnect with the Internet eithercontinuously or periodically. For communication with a remote server,the device 10 may also include some type of memory chip or memory modulethat may be removed from the device 10 and inserted into the externalcomputer for transfer of data. It is also a feature of the presentinvention that the user with the aid of an external computer may programthe device 10. For example, the user's preferred workout and exercisesmay be entered via a keyboard connected to the external computer. Theinformation is then transferred from the external computer into thelocal memory of the device 10. For more details pertaining to thecommunications protocols and connections with all types of externalcomputer systems, see copending application Ser. No. ______ filed Nov.15, 2003 entitled “Protocol”, attorney docket number 41963-8002.

Referring now to FIG. 4, the circuitry contained in the device 10 forone embodiment of the present invention is illustrated schematically.The device 10 includes a processor CPU 30 for processing and controllingthe various components and functions. A body activity monitor 32provides a signal indicative of the body activity of the subject to theCPU. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the body activitymonitor would be a heart rate monitor. The operator interface 34 sendssignals to the CPU 30 to perform the intended functions as selected bythe user. In the preferred embodiment, the operator interface 34consists mainly of controlling buttons (18,20 and 22 as shown in FIG. 1)located on the device itself.

A memory 36 is provided to store all types of data to perform thedesired functions of the device. This information includes the internalprograms necessary for device operations, workout information,instructional information, motivational information and the user'spersonal statistics. The memory 36 typically includes both persistentand transient memory. A battery 38 is also provided to power the devicein remote locations. The CPU 30 provides the data to display 40 forviewing by the subject. The memory 36 is interconnected with the CPU 30and allows storage of data that may be entered by the user through theoperator interface 34 or downloaded from an external computer throughthe external computer interface 44. An audio output connection 42 isprovided for headphones or speakers to be connected to the device.Communications with external devices is provided through communicationsinterface 44. This interface may be located in the device itself or maybe provided in the docking station 26 as shown in FIG. 3. Thecommunications interface 44 may also be a wired or wireless interface.

FIG. 5 shows another embodiment of the device of present invention witha main menu of choices displayed to the user. The user may move thehighlighted choice bar up and down using keys 42. The BACK key allowsthe user to go back to a previous display screen. The MUSIC key allowsthe user to select and play music while working out. The 5 choicesdisplayed that are available on the main menu are “Personal Profile” 51,“Reference Library” 52, “Workout Library” 53, “Programs Library” 54, and“Music Library” 55. In this embodiment, control keys 56 may be used bythe operator to move the highlighted selection bar up and down, and toselect the highlighted option. The control keys 56 are also used forfurther selections from additional menus and displays as will bedescribed.

FIG. 6 shows a flowchart 60 of steps enacted to select from the choicesprovided in the main menu. The process begins in step S62 where all themain menu choices, “Personal Profile”, “Reference Library”, “WorkoutLibrary”, “Programs Library”, and “Music Library, are displayed to theoperator as shown in FIG. 5. In step S64, the user operates the keys 56to highlight and select their desired option. Once the user selection isreceived in step S64, step S66 continues the interactive displays byproceeding with the next appropriate display screen based on theoperator selection. For example, the next appropriate display screenswould be as shown in FIGS. 7, 9, 11, 13 and 15. These figures showdisplay screens of the present invention that involve specific datarelative to the operator section made from the main menu choices. Forexample, FIG. 7 shows the display when the operator selects “PersonalProfile”, FIG. 11 shows the display screen when the operator selects the“Workout Library”. A specific method of controlling the device isenacted depending on each of the choices from the main menu. FIGS. 8,10, 12, 14 and 16 explicitly detail the process for each operatorselection.

FIG. 7 shows the display to the user when the “Personal Profile” optionfrom the main menu is selected. The name of the user 71 “Jeff Holt” isdisplayed along with personal data 72 such as height, weight, date ofbirth, sex, and resting heart rate. Also displayed are choices “5KRunning Log” and “Workout Log”, 73 and 74 respectively. Using theoperator interface keys, the user may enact the next workout, previousworkouts completed and view personal statistics relating to thosespecific workouts. The personal statistics and personal information mayalso be entered using an external computer and downloaded to the devicewhen the device is placed in the docking station as shown in FIG. 3.

FIG. 8 shows a flowchart 80 of steps enacted when the user selects the“Personal Profile” option from the choices provided in the main menu.Once the user has selected the “Personal Profile” option from the mainmenu in step S81, the personal statistics and the user profile aredisplayed (as shown in FIG. 7) in step S82. In step S83 the user mayenter personal information into the profile. At this point in theprocess, the user may choose to enter information into a Program in stepS84, or enter information into a Workout Log in step S85. If step S84 isenacted, the user may enter data or personal information in to aspecific Program in step S84 or further information into a specificWorkout in step S86. If step S85 is enacted, the user is prompted toenter information into a Workout Log or given the ability to enter datainto a Past Workout in step S87. In step S88 the user may quit thisprocess and return to the Main Menu in step S89, otherwise the processcontinues back to step S83.

FIG. 9 shows the display to the user when the “Reference Library” optionfrom the main menu is selected. The display for example shows a personperforming a “Two Handed Curl” exercise. The “Reference Library” optionallows the user to browse through a programmable reference library andto access video and audio data that provides instructional informationrelating to a specific exercise. If a user is unclear as to how toperform a specific exercise, a video clip 91 of the exercise beingperformed may be displayed on the screen. Also available and stored inthe “Reference Library” are text instructions and audio instructions.The text instructions may also be displayed to the individual ifdesired. The present invention also allows for audio information to beplayed simultaneously with the video clip 91. This further enhances theusers' ability to perform the exercise as intended and thereby receivethe maximum benefit from their workout.

FIG. 10 shows a flowchart 100 of steps enacted when the user selects the“Reference Library” option from the choices provided in the main menu.Step S101 begins the process when the user selects the “ReferenceLibrary” option from the choices provided in the main menu. Once theuser has selected the “Reference Library” option from the main menu, instep S102 a plurality of categories of exercises are displayed to theuser. Also in this step, the user highlights and selects a specificexercise from the selected category. Examples of exercise categorychoices would be for example “Abdominal Exercises” or “Free WeightExercises”. Once a specific category is selected, a menu of exercises isdisplayed to the user in step S102. For example if “Arm Exercises” isselected, exercises such as “Wrist Curl”, “One Handed Curl” and “TwoHanded Curl” are displayed. Finally in step S102 the operator selectionof a specific exercise is received, “Two Handed Curl” for example. Instep S103 the user selects what type of instructional information is tobe accessed from the Reference Library. In step S104 the selected videoor audio instructional information is displayed to the user. As shown inFIG. 9, a video clip of “Two Handed Curl” is displayed so the user cansee how to correctly perform the exercise. After viewing the video clipand/or hearing audio instructions, the user may quit the “ReferenceLibrary” option in step S105. In step S106 the user may also choose the“Back” option by activating the appropriate buttons on the device andreturn to the main menu.

FIG. 11 shows the display to the user when the “Workout Library” optionfrom the main menu is selected. This option also allows the user toaccess their personalized specific workout plans. FIG. 11 shows anexample of tracking a specific exercise “Threshold 800” within a “TrackWorkout”. This option also allows the user's heart rate 111 to bemonitored and displayed on the screen with a heart rate monitorconnected as shown in FIG. 4. The user is also able to enter the actualstatistics 113 of the performed workout to compare with plannedstatistics 112 of the planned routine.

FIG. 12 shows a flowchart 120 of steps enacted when the user selects the“Workout Library” option from the choices provided in the main menu.Once the user has selected the “Workout Library” option from the mainmenu in step S21, the method begins in step S122 where a plurality ofworkouts are displayed to the user. Also in this step the userhighlights and selects a specific workout. Examples of workout choiceswould be for example “Abdominal Workout” or “Track Workout”. Once aspecific workout is selected, a menu of exercises is displayed to theuser in step S123. For example, if “Chest Workout” is selected,exercises such as “Bench Press”, “Dumbbell Flys”, and “Pushups” aredisplayed. Also in this step the operator selection is received. In stepS124 a planned routine for the selected exercise is displayed to theuser. As shown in FIG. 13, a number of repetitions and weights for eachset number are displayed.

At this point, the user may begin to perform the selected exerciseaccording to the displayed information. If for instructional purposesthe user desires to view a video clip of the exercise being performed,the “INFO” button may be depressed in step S125. A previously storedvideo clip in the reference library is then automatically retrieved andplayed for the user (as shown in FIG. 9). If the user knows how toperform the selected exercise step S125 may be bypassed. Once the useris done with the exercise, the actual personal statistics may be enteredand stored by the device into memory in step S126. After entering theactual personal statistics, it is determined if the workout is completedin step S126. If there are more exercises stored in the workout routine,the next exercise is automatically displayed as the process returns tostep S122. If the workout is finished the user may return to the mainmenu in step S128. This process essentially guides the user through theworkout with stored routines, instructional information if desired, andthe ability to log their performance.

FIG. 13 shows the display to the user when the “Programs Library” optionfrom the main menu is selected. In this mode the display prompts theuser to enter a specific workout, a specific exercise, and the number ofrepetitions and amount of weight used in each set. FIG. 13 shows how thedisplay would appear to the user when entering the desired workout planfor the “Bench Press” exercise. In this example, the operator is able toenter data relating to sets 131, data relating to the number ofrepetitions 132, and the amount of weight used in each set 133. Thepresent invention also allows the programming of workout plans throughthe use of an external computer connected via the docking station asshown in FIG. 3. The programmed workout data may also be downloaded froma website.

FIG. 14 shows a flowchart 140 of steps enacted when the user selects the“Programs Library” option from the choices provided in the main menu.Once the user has selected the “Programs Library” option from the mainmenu in step S141, the method continues in step S142 where a pluralityof workouts are displayed to the user. Also contained in step S142 arethe user highlighting and selecting a specific workout program. In stepS143 the user is prompted to program a workout or exercise. In step S144the newly programmed workout data is stored into the device memory.After entering the new data, the user may quit the program option instep S145. In step S146 the user may also choose the back option byactivating the appropriate button on the device, and return to the mainmenu.

FIG. 15 shows the display to the user when the “Music Library” optionfrom the main menu is selected. In this example the user has storedmusic selections from Led Zeppelin 151, Michael Jackson 152, Kiss 153,Madonna 154, and Kenny G. 155. Using the controlling keys 56, theoperator is able to move the highlighted selection bar up and down, andthen make their appropriate choice. The music selection is playedthrough some externally connected speaker system via the audio outputconnection 42.

FIG. 16 shows a flowchart 160 of steps enacted when the user selects the“Music Library” option from the choices provided in the main menu. Oncethe user has selected the “Music Library” option from the main menu instep S161, the method begins in step S162 where a plurality of musicselections are displayed to the user as shown in FIG. 15. Also in stepS162 the user highlights and selects a specific music selection. Once aspecific selection is chosen, it is played through the externallyconnected speakers in step S163. At this point the user may begin toperform the selected exercise while listening to the music selection. Instep S164 the user may quit or stop the music. In step S165 the user mayalso choose to return to the main menu options by activating theappropriate buttons on the device.

FIG. 17 shows a website 170 that the user may interact with while usingthe device of the present invention. The user may choose to proceed withone of the selections available on the selections bar 171 across the topof the home page. For example, choices such as “Getting Started”, “ThePro Shop” and “Coaches Corner” are available. These options lead todirections on how to operate the device, an online sports store, andemail communications with an expert trainer, respectively. Otherselections available to the user allow for tracking, monitoring andfeedback of the users' workout statistics. As described above, all typesof information (text and video) and music may be downloaded and storedinto the device for use in remote locations.

Interacting with an external computer also allows one individual tocompete against another. For example, a first user may receiveinformation regarding the workout performed by a second user, thencompete against the second user and vice versa. This competition may belive or time adjusted, e.g., a workout entered and stored previously onthe home page 170 by the second user with which the first user competesagainst.

FIG. 18 shows another embodiment of the present invention. Thisembodiment describes another specific control key arrangement. Controlbuttons and switches 181, 182, 183 and 184 are located on the top of thedevice. Button 181 provides inputs for the “on”, “enter”, and “off”functions of the device. Switch 182 performs the “up” and “down”functions of moving the highlight bar throughout the various displays.Once the appropriate choice is highlighted, it may be selected usingbutton 181. Button 183 is a “back” button as is conventional forswitching to a previous display screen. Button 184 is a “menu” buttonfor allowing the user to jump to the “menu” function as described above.

In this embodiment, button 181 sits above the surface of the device.Switch 182 is toggle switch that is mounted below the surface of thedevice, where the top of the switch sticks up above the surface of thedevice and equal in height to on/off button 181. The “Back” button 183is also above the surface of the device and on the same level as button181. The “Menu” button 184 is level with the surface of the device. Thecontrol buttons as described with reference to FIG. 18, allow the userto operate the device in all of the modes as described in FIGS. 2-17.Other embodiments of the invention may include other types of controlbutton arrangements that allow the user to operate the device in themodes described herein.

FIG. 19 shows another embodiment of the present invention. In thisembodiment, the position of the clip 14 is not adjustable. The clip 14in this embodiment is also shorter in length than the clip shown inFIGS. 1-3 above. This clip arrangement has advantages such as beingsmaller and more compact, while still providing the user with thefunctions of portability, either hand-held or clipped onto anotherarticle. The clip 14 may also function as a stand for the device 10. Thedisplay of the device 10 may be easily viewed when the device is placedon a flat surface supported by the clip 14. This allows the user tooperate the device in a “hands free” manner. For example, the individualmay practice or perform an exercise while watching the visual data ofthe exercise being performed. Again, other embodiments of the inventionrelating to the clip function of the device are incorporated byreference in copending patent application Ser. No. ______ filed Jan. 27,2004, attorney docket number 41963-8003.

The embodiments relating to a portable interactive device as describedabove are to be considered as illustrative and not restrictive. Theinvention is not to be limited to the details given herein, but may bemodified within the scope of the appended claims.

1. A method of controlling a portable interactive device for providinginstructions for personal physical fitness training, comprising the actsof: allowing a user to select from a plurality of activity programsconsisting of one or more workouts; allowing a user to select from aplurality of workouts; allowing the user to select from a plurality ofexercises within each workout; and providing to the user a set ofinstructions based on the user selection, wherein said set ofinstructions comprises at least one of text, audio or visual data. 2.The method of controlling a portable interactive device as in claim 1,wherein the visual data includes a text message and an audio message ofinstructions.
 3. The method of controlling a portable interactive deviceas in claim 2, wherein the visual data includes a video image.
 4. Themethod of controlling a portable interactive device as in claim 3,wherein the visual data includes a video clip of the selected exercisebeing performed.
 5. The method of controlling a portable interactivedevice as in claim 4, wherein the audio data comprises audioinstructions for performing the user selected exercise.
 6. The method ofcontrolling a portable interactive device as in claim 5, wherein thevideo data and audio data are simultaneously played.
 7. The method ofcontrolling a portable interactive device as in claim 6, wherein thetext message of instructions for performing the user selected exerciseinclude a number of repetitions.
 8. The method of controlling a portableinteractive device as in claim 7, wherein the text message ofinstructions for performing the user selected exercise includes a timeduration of the user selected exercise.
 9. The method of controlling aportable interactive device as in claim 8, wherein the text message ofinstructions for performing the user selected exercise includespersonalized information.
 10. A portable interactive device forproviding instructions to a user for personal physical fitness trainingcomprising: a memory for storing instructions and statistical datarelating to exercises; a user interface for allowing the user to selectfrom a plurality of programs, workouts and allowing the user to selectfrom a plurality of exercises within each workout; and a display forproviding to the user a set of instructions based on the userselections, wherein each of the sets of instructions comprises at leastone of audio and visual data.
 11. The portable interactive device as inclaim 10, wherein the visual data includes a text message ofinstructions.
 12. The portable interactive device as in claim 11,wherein the visual data includes a video image.
 13. The portableinteractive device as in claim 12, wherein the visual data includes avideo clip of the selected exercise being performed.
 14. The portableinteractive device as in claim 13, further comprising an audio interfacewherein the audio interface plays the audio data that is comprised ofaudio instructions for performing the user selected exercise.
 15. Theportable interactive device as in claim 14, wherein the video data andaudio data are simultaneously played.
 16. The portable interactivedevice as in claim 15, wherein the text message of instructions forperforming the user selected exercise include a number of sets andrepetitions.
 17. The portable interactive device as in claim 16, whereinthe text message of instructions for performing the user selectedexercise includes a time duration of the user selected exercise.
 18. Theportable interactive device as in claim 17, wherein the user interfaceallows the user to enter information.
 19. The portable interactivedevice as in claim 15, wherein an external computer may be connected tothe portable interactive device.
 20. A portable interactive device forproviding to a user a set of instructions relating to an activitycomprising: a housing, a processor; a memory for storing a set ofinstructions relating to a plurality of activities; a user interface forallowing the user to select from a plurality of activities; and adisplay for providing to the user a set of instructions based on theuser selected activity.
 21. A portable interactive device for selectingand monitoring physical fitness data for a user, the device comprising:a housing configured to be carried by the user; a display for displayinginformation to the user; a memory for storing data relating to programs,workouts, exercises and user inputted data; an interface operable by theuser to select and input data; and a processor in communication with thedisplay, the interface, and the memory operable to control the displayand to control the storage and retrieval of data from the memory. 22.The device according to claim 21, wherein the user selects one programfrom a plurality of stored programs.
 23. The device according to claim22, wherein a user selects one workout from a plurality of workoutswithin the selected program.
 24. The device according to claim 23,wherein the user selects one exercise from a plurality of exerciseswithin the selected workout.
 25. The device according to claim 24,wherein the user may select instructions relating to performing theselected exercise.
 26. The device according to claim 23, wherein theuser may select a plan relating to a number of repetitions to perform ofthe selected exercise.
 27. The device according to claim 26, wherein theuser may input the actual number of repetitions performed.
 28. Thedevice according to claim 21, wherein a heart-rate monitor is attachedto the device to monitor the body of the user.
 29. The device accordingto claim 21, wherein an audio output connection is provided.
 30. Thedevice according to claim 27, wherein the user input number ofrepetitions is stored in the memory.
 31. The device according to claim21, wherein the device is connected to an external computer.
 32. Thedevice according to claim 21, wherein the device is connected to anInternet website.
 33. The device according to claim 32, wherein the userinteracts with the Internet website.
 34. The device according to claim21, wherein the programs, workouts and exercises are shown on thedisplay.
 35. The device according to claim 34, wherein the user is givenfeedback on the display.
 36. A method of controlling a portableinteractive device for monitoring the personal physical fitness trainingof a user comprising the acts of: allowing the user to program andselect from a plurality of workouts; allowing the user to program andselect from a plurality of exercises within each workout, allowing theuser to input personal statistics regarding the selected exercise; andproviding feedback to the user regarding the input personal statistics.37. The method of controlling a portable interactive device as in claim36, further comprising the act of displaying the user programmedworkouts.
 38. The method of controlling a portable interactive device asin claim 37, further comprising the act of displaying the userprogrammed exercises.
 39. The method of controlling a portableinteractive device as in claim 38, wherein the user inputted personalstatistics are stored in memory.
 40. The method of controlling aportable interactive device as in claim 39, wherein the user inputtedpersonal statistics are used to calculate progress and analysis of theprogress of the user.
 41. The method of controlling a portableinteractive device as in claim 36, further comprising the act of storingdata transmitted from external devices monitoring (e.g., HR) the body ofthe user.
 43. The method of controlling a portable interactive device asin claim 36, further comprising the act of displaying visual datarelating to the selected exercise.
 44. The method of controlling aportable interactive device as in claim 43, wherein the visual dataincludes a text message of instructions for performing the user selectedexercise.
 45. The method of controlling a portable interactive device asin claim 43, wherein the visual data includes a video clip of theselected exercise being performed.
 46. The method of controlling aportable interactive device as in claim 36, further comprising the actof allowing the user to connect to a internet website.
 47. The method ofcontrolling a portable interactive device as in claim 46, wherein theuser interacts with the internet website.
 48. A system for monitoringand tracking physical fitness activities for a user comprising: aprogrammable portable interactive device having a memory, a processor,an interface and a display; and a computing device having a display andan interface to communicate with the programmable portable interactivedevice, wherein the computing device is operable to receive and storeuser inputted data from the programmable portable interactive device.49. A method for monitoring and tracking physical fitness activities fora user comprising: inputting personal statistics regarding physicalfitness activities into a programmable portable interactive devicehaving a memory, a processor, an interface and a display; and connectinga programmable portable interactive device to a computing device,wherein the computing device is operable to receive and store userinputted data from the programmable portable interactive device.
 50. Amethod of exercising comprising: displaying to a user an exerciseprogram; inputting personal statistics regarding the user's actualexercises; tracking and storing the user's personal statistics; anddisplaying feedback and motivational information to the user in responseto the personal statistics.
 51. A portable interactive device forselecting and tracking physical fitness data for a user, the devicecomprising: a display for displaying information to the user; a memoryfor storing data relating to programs, workouts, exercises, instructionsand user inputted data; a user interface operable by the user to selectand input data; a communications interface that allows the portableinteractive device to communicate with an external computer; and aprocessor in communication with the display, the interface, and thememory operable to control the display and to control the storage andretrieval of data from the memory, wherein the processor controls theportable interactive device to provide instructional and motivationalinformation to the user.
 52. The device according to claim 51, whereinthe user selects one program from a plurality of stored programs. 53.The device according to claim 52, wherein a user selects one workoutfrom a plurality of workouts within the selected program.
 54. The deviceaccording to claim 53, wherein the user selects one exercise from aplurality of exercises within the selected workout.
 55. The deviceaccording to claim 54, wherein the user may select instructions relatingto performing the selected exercise.